European Parliament adopts amendments of energy labelling Directive. Rating scale will go from A to G in the future. However, the LabelPack A+ project underlines that the existing label continues to apply to space and water heaters beyond 2020.

Brussels, 20.06.2016 – On 13 June 2017, the European Parliament approved by a large majority the revision of the EU energy legislation on energy labelling. One of the changes that will be most perceptible to consumers will be the revision of the energy labelling categories, which will range from A to G. This means the end of ‘A+’ or ‘A+++’ categories. The new energy indicators are to be found on most of the electrical appliances from the end of 2019 onwards.

That will not be the case for space or water heating devices or packages. Space and water heaters, using gas, oil, solid fuels (biomass) or electricity (e.g.: heat pumps) as well as systems combining different devices, including solar thermal energy, will only apply this new regulation at a later stage, clearly beyond 2020. One of the reasons is that such products and systems have only been equipped with energy efficiency labels recently – between 2015 and 2017. Therefore, these products will be still using the previous range of energy efficiency categories, which can go up to the Class ‘A +++’.

“We welcome the fact that the manufacturers and installers of space and water heaters do not have to change their energy efficiency label yet. As the label has just been introduced recently, the heating sector and consumers are still adapting to use its potential fully. One advantage of using the previous energy categories is to easily identify solutions using renewables, as only systems using renewable energies, can reach the most efficient categories above A +,” says Pedro Dias, Secretary General of the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF). This trade association is coordinating the LabelPack A+ project, supported by the European Union via Horizon 2020.

The LabelPack A+ project supports the package labelling of heating systems using renewable energies. LabelPack A+ is preparing a set of proposals to improve the regulations related to space and water heaters, including the package label, which will soon be revised.

“We have already collected many suggestions for improvements from a wide range of target groups. We are confident that this feedback will be helpful for the European Commission’s work in improving the current energy labelling regulations on space and water heaters,” says Jörg Mayer, Managing Director of the German Solar Association (BSW-Solar). According to him, the current label does not consider some important solutions, such as the integration of solar thermal energy into an existing conventional heating system. Surveys among homeowners also revealed that the multitude of different labels is confusing, and that package labels are often misinterpreted. “There is a clear need for revision of the package label to make sure that the most climate-friendly source of heating, namely solar thermal energy is well reflected in the regulations.” Mayer added.

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About LabelPack A +

LabelPack A + is a project to promote the introduction of energy efficiency labelling of heaters, water heaters and combinations financed by the EU Commission under the Horizon 2020 program. It is being implemented in six European countries by eleven participating organisations.

The European Solar Thermal Industry Federation (ESTIF) is the voice of the solar thermal industry, actively promoting the use of solar thermal technology for renewable heating and cooling in Europe. With over 40 members in Europe, ESTIF represents directly or indirectly over 90% of the industry across the value chain.

ESTIF ensures that solar thermal technology develop and grow in Europe through different actions such as advocating for better regulation or encouraging the EU policy makers to shape a favorable environment for heating and cooling technology.

About BSW

Representing more more than 800 companies, Bundesverband Solarwirtschaft e.V. (German Solar Association) is the interest group of the German solar energy industry. Forming a strong community of companies, BSW-Solar acts as an informant and intermediary between business and the political and public sectors. It represents the common commercial interests of businesses within the solar energy value chain.

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